Zappos reports 163% year-to-year rise in 2004 sales to $184 million

With a strong focus on customer service, shoe retailer Zappos.com continues its sharp growth since its 1999 debut. January sales of $28 million have it well on its way to surpassing its 2005 goal of $300 million, CEO Tony Hsieh says.

With a strong focus on customer service, shoe retailer Zappos.com Inc. continues its sharp growth since its 1999 debut. Its 2004 sales of $184 million rose 163% from $70 million in 2003, and January sales of $28 million have Zappos well on its way to surpassing its 2005 goal of $300 million, CEO Tony Hsieh says.

To maintain its emphasis on customer service, which is supported by a staff of more than 100 agents and 200 warehouse workers, Zappos plans to double its total workforce, including seasonal temps, this year to 1,000, Hsieh says.